THE Presidents Cup ended without a winner in the South African gloom yesterday as the International and the United States team captains agreed to a tie and to share the trophy.

International captain Gary Player and his American counterpart Jack Nicklaus made the agreement after a play-off match between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els was still undecided after three extra holes with dusk falling.

Initially Nicklaus wanted to claim the Americans - as holders - were entitled to claim the trophy after the 17-17 tie only to be met by objections by the International team.

Eventually the two parties agreed to share the spoils rather than continue in worsening conditions or to finish the play-off on Monday.

Player defended the decision to call off play, even though there was a sense of dissatisfaction among the supporters who had been expecting a positive result.

"It's dark," said Player.

"You cannot see the grain on the green. It's not like the US Open where you enter on your own. You've got one guy playing for 12 guys.

"We tie and we both hold the cup."

Nicklaus was eventually happy with the outcome, adding, "Both Gary and I feel that both teams have won and we share the cup."

Woods concurred with the skippers, saying on Sky Sports, "It's the right thing to do. No one should come away a loser at this event."

Els had been well beaten, 4&3, by Woods earlier in the day, and was satisfied with a share of the spoils.